Duncan: Pirates must get physical

TOM DUNCAN is on a revenge mission when the Cornish Pirates get their Cup campaign underway at the Mennaye Field today.

The 28-year-old Cornishman was a member of the Pirates team beaten 30-29 by Bedford Blues in the league a few weeks ago.

“It will be good to have another go at them and try and reverse the result from last time,” he said. “With it being the Cup, there will be a few changes to our squad, but the guys have trained really well and hopefully we’ll perform really well,” added the former Redruth player.

Pirates outscored the Blues four tries to three, on October 21, including a second-half brace from Kyle Moyle, but the home side fell just short of staging a comeback win.

“It was quite tight all the way through, but their physicality was a lot better in what was a very physical game,” Duncan said.

“Our kick-chase wasn’t quite as good as it normally is, and Bedford have got some dangerous brokenfield runners and scored some good tries. Hopefully we can tighten that area up.”

The Championship Cup replaces the British & Irish Cup, a competition that the Pirates won in its inaugural year in 2009.

And barnstorming No.8 Duncan, who has continued his fine try-scoring form from last season, when he touched down 15 times, with four this term, says the Pirates have their sights set on winning some silverware.

“It is a new competition and something exciting to be a part of. For us, it is another thing we can win. We’re only in two competitions, the league and cup, and we want to go as far as we can in both.”